station at Neubiberg Air Base, Germany. The squadron began conversion to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, but was inactivated in March 1958. Strategic Air Command Strategic Air Command (SAC) had established the 4137th Strategic Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia as part of SAC's plan to disperse its Boeing B-52 Stratofortress heavy bombers over a larger number of bases, thus making it more difficult for the Soviet Union to knock out the entire fleet with a surprise first strike. In 1962, in order to perpetuate the lineage of many currently inactive bombardment units with illustrious World War II records, Headquarters SAC received authority from Headquarters USAF to discontinue its Major Command controlled (MAJCON) strategic wings that were equipped with combat aircraft and to activate Air Force controlled (AFCON) units, which could carry on a lineage and history. As a result, the 4137th was replaced by the 465 Bombardment Wing, and on 1 February 1963, the 781st, returning to its World War II designation of 781st Bombardment Squadron, took over the mission, personnel and equipment of the 342d Bombardment Squadron, which was simultaneously inactivated. The squadron maintained half of its aircraft on fifteen minute nuclear alert and periodically flew Operation Chrome Dome missions. and conducted strategic bombardment training operations to meet SAC's operational commitments. The squadron deployed aircraft and crews to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War for Operation Arc Light. In 1968, SAC turned Homestead Air Force Base over to Tactical Air Command, and removed its B-52s from the base. In connection with the transfer of Homestead, the 19th Bombardment Wing moved on paper to Robins to replace the 465th Bombardment Wing. The 781st was inactivated on 25 July 1968 its assets were transferred to the 28th Bombardment Squadron. Lineage Constituted as the 781st Bombardment Squadron, Heavy on 19 May 1943 Activated on 1 August 1943 Inactivated on 31 July 1945 Redesignated the 781st Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium on 22 December 1952 Activated on 1 February 1953 Inactivated on 8 March 1958 Redesignated the 781st Bombardment Squadron, Heavy and activated on 15 November 1962 (not organized) Organized on 1 February 1963 Discontinued and inactivated on 25 July 1968 Assignments 465th Bombardment Group, 1 August 1943 – 31 July 1945 465th Troop Carrier Group, 1 February 1953 (attached to 465th Troop Carrier Wing after 1 December 1956) 465th Troop Carrier Wing, 12 March 1957 317th Troop Carrier Wing, 8 July 1957